Unleash your creative spark! Cruinniú na nÓg, a day of free creativity for young people
With almost 50 events taking place across a range of venues in Fingal this year, Cruinniú na nÓg will spark curiosity and ignite the imagination for people of all ages
Creative Fingal proudly presents Cruinniú na nÓg, a day of free creativity for young people, taking place on 6 June 2026. All ten Fingal library branches will host Carnivals of Curiosity, with creative events to engage and delight the community. Author and illustrator visits, graffiti workshops, manga art, music, dancing, and much more will make it a day to remember.
We Own the Castle returns to Swords Castle, hosted by Garageland Galaxyz. This music festival, exclusively tailored for teenagers, will feature live performances from young talent on two stages. The Chapel Sessions will offer poetry and unplugged music. The hugely popular Wavin’ Words Youth Slam Poetry Stage – this year’s Cruinniú Late event – gives young performers the chance to slam, perform, speak, or read – the open mic is yours! Hosted by Sheila Ryder and Dave Hynes, featured performers include Fingal’s Local Ambassador Yasmine Al Ja Afrehova and All-Ireland Poetry Slam Champion, Eva Mary Lucy. The Poetry’s Dead podcast will be recording live with Leon Dunne and Ryan Duggins. Meanwhile, the Creative Village will enhance the festival vibe, allowing young people to customise their look for the day. All Abilities Ireland will also provide a dedicated calm and creative sensory space to support neurodiverse children and teens.
Drop into the Draíocht Arts Centre, Blanchardstown, for the Colourings Family Day. Create and play in this vibrant Creative Response Space with artists Sarah Ward and Michelle Hall. Taking inspiration from Lucy Hill’s exhibition Colourings – where exciting shapes and bold colours collide – families are invited to explore colour, shape, and mark-making together through hands-on creative activities. Young audiences can also experience OutLine, an immersive dance performance by Selma Daniel Dance, inspired by the playful energy and colourful scribbles of the exhibition. Wonder Walls Graffiti Workshops with Waterford Walls will return once again, encouraging young people to design and paint murals collaboratively, celebrating creativity and self-expression.
The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre in Naul, Co. Dublin, will mark Cruinniú na nÓg with a vibrant programme of hands-on workshops and performances. Young creatives can step into the magical world of shadow puppetry through interactive workshops and live performances, try their hand at a traditional bodhrán making workshop, or join the fun at a Circus Céilí with Circus Explored.
With something for everyone this June 6, make sure to book your place!
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary commented: “For young people across Fingal, this year’s programme of events for Cruinniú na nÓg is guaranteed to spark curiosity and ignite the imagination. With almost 50 events taking place across a range of venues — including Swords Castle, Fingal Libraries, Draíocht Blanchardstown, and the Séamus Ennis Arts Centre in Naul — I encourage families and young people to explore what’s on offer. The Cruinniú programme is an important part of Fingal’s services for young people, providing inclusive and accessible opportunities to engage in creative activities.”
Acting County Librarian of Fingal, Lilian Whelan said: “Cruinniú na nÓg is a wonderful celebration of creativity, offering young people across Fingal the chance to explore, create and express themselves through a vibrant and inclusive programme. From our Carnivals of Curiosity in every library branch to the takeover of Swords Castle for “We Own the Castle”, our teenage music event, and “Wavin’ Words”, our spoken word event, this year’s line-up promises something inspiring for everyone, making it a truly memorable day for children, young people, and families.”
Creative Ireland Coordinator for Fingal, Patricia Brady, added: "An excellent programme of events, curated with young people of Fingal at its heart. From music for tots in Blanchardstown Library to We Own the Castle, our flagship mini music festival for teens in Swords Castle, the day provides young people of Fingal a unique opportunity to explore their creativity and perform in a fun, supportive environment. It promises to deliver an entertaining mix of the top talent Fingal has to offer.”
Working in partnership with the 31 Local Authorities and supported by RTÉ, Creative Ireland works to create a day where families and young people can participate in a wide range of fun creative activities that are all free.
Fingal County Council’s Cruinniú na nÓg programme has been collaboratively developed by the Cultural & Creativity team, which is made up of cross-departmental representatives with skills in many different areas of expertise.
For more information, visit https://cruinniu.gov.ie/ or https://www.fingal.ie/cruinniu-na-nog-2026.
